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Chapter: Rebirth Ceremony

The space was cramped, with only a dozen individuals standing in total.

In the center stood two stone platforms, each adorned with pools of sparkling golden liquid resembling nectar and jade.

On one platform lay most of Undead warrior's body, his forehead beaded with sweat and a nervous expression.

Apocalypse observed him briefly before reclining on the other platform, closing his eyes. "My knights, protect me," he commanded softly.

"We will not fail you," affirmed the Death Knight, approaching Hermond.

"My son..." Undead warrior's voice quavered.

The Death Knight smiled reassuringly. "Fear not. Your son shall live a beautiful, peaceful life in Cybenetus."

Hermond fell silent, his breaths growing heavier.

"Rest now." The Death Knight gently touched his head, lulling him into a deep slumber.

"The ceremony commences!"

Clad in a white robe, the Egyptian high priest spread his arms, closed his eyes, and tilted his head skyward, murmuring as if invoking the sun.

...

Athens, Akademi College.

Khonshu's voice emanated from the statue: "Now, as the sun's power reaches its zenith, the Apocalypse's rebirth ceremony begins!"

As he spoke, the statue burst into light, transforming into a towering figure of a demon sentinel with massive bat wings that slowly flapped.

"Open!" Agamato commanded.

The teleportation portal abruptly materialized, revealing a colossal pyramid on the opposite side.

Mostly brick, its pinnacle gleamed with golden sun metal, radiant under the sunlight—Apocalypse's rebirth pyramid.

At that moment, intricate lines etched on the spire shimmered golden, seemingly drawing power from the sun above, its influence cascading downward.

Before the pyramid's entrance, Apocalypse's guards stared in astonishment at the sudden appearance of the portal.

Capitalizing on their distraction, Forseti's hands ignited with blinding light that surged forth.

Blinding Light!

With a swing of his war hammer, Judgment, flames and thunder erupted, instantly felling several guards.

"Charge!"

"Bring down Apocalypse's tyranny! The world belongs to the Shield Brotherhood!" The allied forces thundered through the portal, surging toward the pyramid's gates.

Though the pyramid's defenders were all power users, the Brotherhood's hundreds, including the God Legion, possessed far greater prowess—be they sorcerers or warriors.

Leading the charge were Forseti, Agamato, and Diops, who swiftly consumed agility potions and dashed toward the pyramid gates, trailed by Khonshu and Shilut.

"Intruders!"

"Protect the Master!"

Yet, despite the formidable defense of realm, a wave of power-user guards fell, only to be replaced by more reinforcements. The city's army of hundreds of thousands stirred, lending an eerie chill to the air.

Inside the pyramid, Aristotle showcased the quintessential skills of a Marvel wizard, wielding his sword to deadly effect. "Hold the line! They shall not pass!"

"Apocalypse falls today!"

Meanwhile, in the desert beyond Ellie Fontina, the Macedonian Legion advanced, poised to besiege the city.

Within the pyramid's confines, Khonshu led the charge, guiding the group directly toward Apocalypse through winding corridors.

Encountering several guards, Diops unleashed a crimson beam from his previously closed left eye.

"Boom!"

Several guards fell before they could retaliate, thanks to Diops's enhanced reaction speed from the agility potion, preventing collateral damage to the pyramid's structural integrity.

Yet, obstacles persisted, including twin guards suddenly appearing ahead. Diops's left eye beam shot out, only to ricochet off the twins' mirrored forms.

"Boom!" The beam rebounded, striking nearby and sending gravel flying.

Timing his attack perfectly, Agamato wielded a whip of golden-red energy, shattering the twins into glass shards and fracturing the ground.

Before Forseti's group, the regular guards were utterly outmatched.

Approaching closer, they confronted a dozen guards, among them Apocalypse's War Knight and Plague Knight.

Diops fired another beam from his left eye.

"Boom!"

The Plague Knight intercepted it head-on, absorbing the crimson blaze with a propulsive force that dissipated its impact.

In addition to the two Apocalypse Knights, the remaining guards, a dozen strong, possessed considerably greater strength than their predecessors.

One striking figure, a long-haired woman with crimson lips, sang a haunting melody that entranced and tempted the hearts of Forseti, Diops, Agamato, and Khonshu.

Our cute little rock boy, however, remained unfazed by the enchanting song. Blinking his large, innocent eyes, he exclaimed, "Wow—"

Mud splattered forth, dousing the long-haired woman's face.

"Ahh!" she shrieked, her enchanting song abruptly silenced.

...

Outside the pyramid, a fierce battle raged.

The Brotherhood of the Shield and the God Legion fought valiantly at the pyramid's entrance against relentless waves of Apocalypse's power-user troops, encircling them on all sides.

Aristotle's longsword crackled with golden-red energy, tracing an arc that conjured a circular glyph.

"Feel Socrates's greeting!" he bellowed, thrusting the sword into the glyph.

"Boom!"

A searing light burst forth from the glyph, cutting through several guards in its path.

Yet, in an unexpected turn, a bald-headed guard with a rock-like appearance swiftly closed in.

Before Aristotle could react, the guard landed a devastating blow, sending him reeling and spitting blood.

"Mr. Aristotle!"

The bald guard prepared to strike again, only to be intercepted by an electrical arc that, while ineffective, temporarily halted his advance.

Craterus rushed to Aristotle's aid, helping him to his feet.

"Your lightning falls short, little dwarf—it's meaningless against me," mocked the bald guard, his immense size and stone-like physique exuding dominance.

Craterus looked apprehensive, his grip on the sword trembling. The bald guard's intimidating presence and colossal frame unnerved him.

Then, a change swept over Craterus as he glanced down at the iron sword in his hand, noticing its faint, golden luminescence.

This sword was none other than the repaired weapon infused with Holy Light by Forseti.

The bald guard noticed Craterus's reaction and sneered, "Do you think this glowing sword can harm me?"

With a taunting laugh, he lunged forward, fists poised. "Prepare to meet your end!"

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